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WHEN Matthew Appleby's utility was damaged because of a staff member at Chanses-R-Us he thought Mackay Regional Council would pick up the bill.

Mr Appleby wrote to the council, requesting the damage be fixed and providing two quotes, after a Chanses-R-Us employee failed to properly secure the tailgate of his ute, causing it to fall onto the tow ball.

The council responded by saying the staff member was not a council employee, but was employed by Chanses-R-Us which operates the recycling depot at the council's Paget Transfer Station.

The letter asked Mr Appleby to contact Chanses-R-Us (also known as TriQ Inc) and make a claim.

Mr Appleby believes the council is "passing the buck" on to the not-for-profit organisation that employs people with disabilities.

"It's the council's depot - they're trying to fob it off," he said.

"The biggest issue I have is that the council could fob that off to people doing a community service."

Mr Appleby wants his ute fixed but thinks the council should be the one to cough up, not Chanses-R-Us.

"Why should they fork out the money?" he said.

Mackay Regional Council corporate communications manager Ken Furdek said all contractors engaged by the council were covered by the standard indemnity clause covering any loss or damage to property.

"As an organisation we have no control over any staff employed by contractors," he said.

"Tri-Q is aware of its responsibilities and has also contacted the customer and discussed the situation with him."